New European alliance calls for urgent action on anaphylaxis preparedness

A new European alliance was launched (9 September) at the European Parliament to tackle major gaps in how people and professionals can be better prepared to treat anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal allergic reaction in which a swift response can make the difference.

MEP Dr András Kulja (EPP, Hungary) said the issue was deeply personal for him. He recalled working as a doctor in Budapest in 2022 when Hungary was shocked by the death of a six-year-old boy following a severe allergic reaction at a school birthday celebration.

“I remember the profound sadness, and the questions about how this could happen,” Kulja said. “For many of us in the healthcare system, it was a reminder of how important it is to prepare our schools and teachers. Life or death can be the difference of only a few minutes.”

The ACT for Anaphylaxis Alliance brings together patients, families, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and policymakers. It was aunched alongside the first European Best Practice Index and an eight-point Call to Action focused on improving access, care and training across Europe. 

“Life or death can be the difference of only a few minutes. No child’s life should depend on whether the people around them happen to know what to do,” said Kulja.

The problem is significant. Around one in 300 Europeans will experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime, while hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis are increasing, with children and young people particularly at risk. Anaphylaxis can become fatal within minutes, but emergency response times across the EU range from 10 to 30 minutes, making the actions of teachers, colleagues or other bystanders critical. 

However, preparedness varies widely. Schools, workplaces, transport settings and public venues can lack trained staff, emergency protocols or access to adrenaline, while legal uncertainty may leave non-healthcare responders unsure whether they can administer treatment. 

The Alliance’s eight recommendations set out a broad European agenda, from standardised training for teachers and other responders, access to emergency adrenaline in schools and high-risk public settings, to clear legal safeguards allowing trained non-healthcare staff to act without hesitation. 

The proposals would make emergency adrenaline available even when someone experiences their first known reaction or does not have their prescribed device with them. They also call for clear arrangements covering storage, accessibility and replacement of expired treatments. 

The Alliance argues that Europe can embed measures into EU preparedness, education and workplace policies. Its message is that anaphylaxis may be unpredictable, but Europe’s preparedness should not be. 

If you want to add your name to this call for action, you can sign here.